In recent years, Thailand, with itsFavorable business environment, lower start-up costs, favorable tax policies and livable living environment, attracting a large number of foreign investors to start and settle in the country. Many entrepreneurs wish to open a company in Thailand while applying for aLong-term resident visasin order to enjoy the business opportunities and advantages of living in Thailand. So how can a foreigner legally register a company in Thailand and qualify for long-term residency by starting a business? This article will provide you withThailand Business MigrationFull Process Guide, to help you start your Thailand entrepreneurial journey smoothly!

I. Why choose Thailand to start a business?

✅ Stabilization of economic growth: Thailand is the second largest economy in Southeast Asia with a large entrepreneurial market
✅ Foreign Investment Friendly Policies: The Thai government encourages foreigners to start businesses in Thailand by providing investment incentives
✅ Low cost of living: Lower start-up and living costs in Thailand compared to Europe and the US
✅ Good location: Thailand is located in the center of ASEAN and is suitable for international business expansion
✅ Long-term visa opportunities: Long-term residence visas and even permanent residence can be applied for after successful business start-ups.

II. Entrepreneurship in ThailandimmigrantsTypes of visas that can be applied for

Foreigners who are starting a business in Thailand and wish to stay for a long period of time can apply for the following types of visas:

1️⃣ Business Visa (Non-B Visa): For foreigners who plan to start a business in Thailand and can apply for a 1-year visa
2️⃣ BOI Investment Visa(Applicable to entrepreneurs eligible for Thailand's Board of Investment (BOI))
3️⃣ Work Permit + Non-B Visa: After registering a company in Thailand, foreign business owners can apply for a work visa
4️⃣ Elite Visa (Thailand): Suitable for entrepreneurs who do not want to apply for a work visa but want to stay for a long time
5️⃣ Permanent Residency (PR) in Thailand: Entrepreneurs can apply after meeting a certain number of years of experience

Third, foreigners in Thailand registered company full process

🔹 1. Choosing the right type of company

Foreigners usually choose one of the following three corporate structures to start a business in Thailand:

✅ Thai Limited Company(most common)
✅ Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (100% Foreign-Owned Business)(BOI approval required)
✅ Joint Venture (JV)(applicable to specific industries)

📌 Recommended: Thai Limited Company (TLC)

• Minimum Requirements2 Thai shareholders + 1 foreign shareholder(51% Thai equity, 49% foreign equity)
• Foreign shareholders can be company directors
• Registered capital usually requires a minimum of 2 million baht (approximately 400,000 RMB)

🔹 2. Incorporation process (generally 2-4 weeks to complete)

1️⃣ Pre-approval of company name(Application for company name to the Thai Ministry of Commerce)
2️⃣ Drafting of articles of association(Articles of Association)
3️⃣ Registered capital in place(Recommended minimum of 2 million baht for work visa applications)
4️⃣ Applying for a tax code and VAT registration(Registered with the Inland Revenue Department of Thailand)
5️⃣ Opening a Thai company bank account(for working capital flows)

🔹 3. Applying for a Work Permit and Permanent Residence

🔸 Requirements for application::
✅ Company registration completed
✅ The company employs at least 4 Thai employees(Only one foreigner can apply for a work visa)
✅ Payment of social security and taxes

🔸 Application Process::
1️⃣ Entering Thailand with a Business Visa (Non-B Visa)
2️⃣ Applying for a Work Permit (Work Permit) at the Department of Labor in Thailand
3️⃣ Spouse/children family visa after obtaining a work visa

IV. Key Sectors for Entrepreneurship in Thailand and Investment Recommendations

The Thai government encourages foreign investors to enter the following industries, some of which are even eligible for BOI investment visas:

✅ Technology/IT Industry(Government support for STI, suitable for software development, AI, big data, etc.)
✅ Tourism and hospitality(Thailand's well-developed tourism industry makes it suitable for investment in B&Bs, hotels, travel services, etc.)
✅ gastronomy(Thailand is the food capital of the world, suitable for restaurants, cafes, etc.)
✅ service industry(Thailand is a manufacturing center in Southeast Asia, suitable for light industry, auto parts production, etc.)
✅ import and export trade(Thailand is the center of ASEAN, suitable for international trade, cross-border e-commerce, etc.)

📌 suggestion: When starting a business in Thailand, it is recommended to chooseCompliance with Thailand's Board of Investment (BOI) policyof the industry for additional tax incentives and visa facilities.

V. Taxes and Fees for Starting a Business in Thailand

🔹 corporate income tax::

• Small business: 15% for the first 2 million baht profit tax rate
• Tax rate on profits over 3 million baht is 20%

🔹 Value Added Tax (VAT): Generally 7%

🔹 Employee Social Security: The company is required to pay the employee's salary5% Social Security Tax

🔹 Rental costs(Bangkok):

• Office rent: 5,000-20,000 baht/month (1,000-4,000 RMB)
• Store rent: 15,000-50,000 baht/month (3,000-10,000 RMB)

VI. Thailandbusiness migrantStrengths and challenges

✅ dominance::
✔ Relatively liberal visa policyEntrepreneurs can get long-term visas through their companies
✔ Low tax rates and lower start-up costsIt is more attractive than Europe and the United States.
✔ High market potential and active consumptionIt is suitable for all types of business models

❌ challenge::
⚠ The company needs to have Thai shareholdersForeign shareholders cannot hold more than 49% (except for BOI companies).
⚠ Knowledge of Thai laws and regulations is requiredEngaged professional lawyers/accountants to handle company registration and taxation.
⚠ speech impedimentThai is the official language, but English can be used in most business situations.

VII. How to get a Thai business start-up visa quickly? (Time-saving methods)

📌 Choosing a BOI Business Investment Visa: If the investment amount is large (more than 10 million baht), you can apply for a BOI investment visa to enjoy more favorable conditions.
📌 Utilizing the Thai Elite Visa (Elite Visa): Ideal for short-term business start-ups and avoiding frequent visa renewals
📌 Purchase of shares in a local Thai company: Some industries allow foreigners to obtain visas through equity investment

viii. concluding remarks: thailandbusiness migrantJust in time!

With the Thai government's increased support for foreign entrepreneurs, the2025 is the yearImmigration to ThailandGreat opportunity to start your own business! If you are planning to grow your business in Southeast Asia, Thailand is certainly an ideal choice.